Originally Posted by KathyWdrf
I also recommend the Pimsleur tapes for speaking/understanding. Check eBay for deals.
I agree.
Pimsleur is particularly useful if you're a visual learner and find it difficult to pick up the cadence of a language from regular conversation. Also good for low effort study as you can learn whilst walking or driving.
It's main drawback is cost, and that it's quite pedestrian in expanding vocabulary. Also there isn't much explanation of grammar although this wouldn't matter for a one-off trip.